An association of planters has estimated that Assam’s tea industry would end up losing at least ₹1,218 crore due to the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown. According to Tea Board of India figures, the tea harvest in Assam in March 2019 was 4.6% of the State’s annual production for that year, which was 715.79 million kg. “Due to prolonged lockdown, about 35% leaves of our plantations will have to be skiffed leading to crop loss of 30 million kg in April and 20 million kg in May. The total crop loss will thus be 80 million kg,” Mr. Borkakoty said. Other organisations such as the Assam Branch of the Indian Tea Association and Assam Tea Planters’ Association pointed out that the 197-year-old tea industry in the State did not have a tradition of laying off workers when faced with a financial crisis, unlike other industries.

Source: The Hindu April 15, 2020 12:57 UTC